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Ammonium nitrogen (NH4+‐N) is essential for fruit tree growth, but the impact of excess NH4+‐N from fertilizer on evergreen citrus trees is unclear.In a climate chamber, 8‐month‐old citrus plants were exposed to five different hydroponic NH4+‐N concentrations (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 mm) for 1 month to study effects of NH4+‐N on growth characteristics, N uptake, metabolism, antioxidant enzymes and osmotic regulatory substances.Application of 10 mm NH4+‐N adversely affected root plasma membrane integrity, root physiological functions, and plant biomass. MDA, CAT, POD, APX and SOD content were significantly correlated with leaf N metabolic enzyme activity (GOGAT, GDH, GS and NR). GDH was the primary enzyme involved in NH4+‐N assimilation in leaves, while the primary pathway involved in roots was GS‐GOGAT.Under comparatively high NH4+ addition, roots were the main organs involved in NH4+ utilization in citrus seedlings. Our results demonstrated that variations in NH4+ concentration and enzyme activity in various organs are associated with more effective N metabolism in roots than in leaves to prevent NH4+ toxicity in evergreen woody citrus plants. These results provide insight into the N forms used by citrus plants that are important for N fertilizer management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In avionics system networking, mixed‐critical networks are commonly used to integrate system applications with different levels of guarantees for various traffic classes on a shared resource platform, effectively addressing issues such as cabling, cost, weight, volume, power consumption, etc. However, current fault recovery and reconfiguration techniques mainly focus on high‐priority time‐triggered (TT) traffic, often neglecting the impact of TT traffic reconfiguration on low‐priority traffic. This paper proposes an avionics mixed‐critical networking approach based on the IEEE 802.1CB protocol, which is shown to be more effective for the post‐failure recovery of Rate‐Constrained (RC) traffic (a typical type of low‐priority traffic in TT networks). Furthermore, an elastic reconfiguration algorithm is presented to ensure quality of service for RC traffic during and after reconfiguration, preventing arbitrary application and traffic shutdown triggered by TT traffic reconfiguration. Simulations demonstrate that the proposed approach and algorithm can significantly improve the post‐failure recovery ratio of RC traffic, as well as guarantee quality of service and network throughput of RC traffic during and after reconfiguration to a certain extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Dermatomyositis (DM) with anti‐nuclear matrix protein‐2 (NXP‐2) antibodies usually shows multifocal ischaemic lesions in muscle. Here, we aimed to investigate the microarteriopathy underlying muscle ischaemia in anti‐NXP‐2‐positive DM. Methods: A total of 16 patients diagnosed with anti‐NXP‐2‐positive DM were investigated by muscle biopsy. A total of 13 patients with DM with other myositis‐specific antibodies and 11 normal controls were included for comparison. Immunofluorescence assays were performed to localize endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and pericytes, and to determine lesions in myofibers and microvessels by vascular endothelial growth factor and myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA). Electron microscopy was carried out to assess ultrastructure alterations. Results: Subcutaneous edema, severe muscle weakness and dysphagia together with elevated creatine kinase, D‐dimer and triglyceride levels, and decreased albumin levels were found in anti‐NXP‐2‐positive DM. Muscle ischaemia included regional muscle edema, perifascicular atrophy, microinfarcts and focal punched‐out vacuoles. The density of arterioles was higher in anti‐NXP‐2‐positive DM (P ＜ 0.05). Perimysial arterioles with thickened vascular wall, thrombosis and lipid accumulation were found in the vascular wall of diseased perimysial arterioles. The frequency of diseased arterioles and thrombosis was higher in anti‐NXP‐2‐positive DM (P < 0.05). Sarcoplasmic vascular endothelial growth factor and MxA expression was observed in multifocal ischaemic lesions. MxA was present in endothelial and smooth muscle cells of the diseased arterioles and pericytes. Electron microscopy confirmed damaged capillaries and tubuloreticular structures. Conclusions: Our research suggested that perimysial arterioles were most commonly involved in anti‐NXP‐2‐positive DM, which led to muscle ischaemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apical periodontitis (AP) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by periapical tissue inflammation and destruction of the associated alveolar bone. It is caused by microbial infections within the root canal and the resultant host immune responses in the periapical tissues. The proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)‐17 has been shown to play an important role in many inflammatory diseases. There is increasing evidence of the presence of IL‐17 in AP, which might be associated with disease pathogenesis. Moreover, several animal studies indicate the potential role of IL‐17 in periapical inflammation and the resultant bone resorption in AP. This article reviews recent studies regarding the collective in vitro, in vivo and clinical evidence of the presence and involvement of IL‐17 in AP. A search related to IL‐17 in apical periodontitis was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases using keywords and controlled vocabulary. Two independent reviewers first screened titles and abstracts and then the full texts that were included. A total of 25 papers were identified, of the 25 included articles, 7 involved laboratory studies on cell cultures, 11 involved animal experimentations, and 7 were observational studies using human clinical samples. In conclusion, evidence for the presence of IL‐17 in AP from human and animal models is clear. However, there is relatively little information currently available that would highlight the specific role of IL‐17 in AP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Although previous evidence indicates that CD147 is closely involved in the progression of organ fibrosis and various signaling pathways have been proven to regulate its expression, the role of CD147 in oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) remains largely unknown. Methods: In this study, we investigated the expression of CD147 and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) in human samples of an OSF tissue array by immunohistopathology. Pearson's correlation analysis was conducted to explore the correlation between CD147 and TGF‐β1. Immunofluorescence and Western blotting were used to investigate to levels of CD147 in Human Oral Keratinocytes (HOKs) followed by TGF‐β1 or LY2157299, an inhibitor of TGF‐β1 receptor and arecoline stimulation. Results: We found that CD147 was highly expressed in both HOKs and the fibrotic oral mucosa and that this expression was correlated with TGF‐β1 expression. Additionally, CD147 levels were significantly associated with the fibrosis stage. The TGF‐β1 signaling pathway was found to be mainly responsible for CD147 up‐regulation after arecoline treatment whereas inhibition of TGF‐β1 down‐regulated CD147 expression. Conclusion: Our findings suggest arecoline promotes CD147 expression via the TGF‐β1 signaling pathway in HOKs, whereas overexpression of CD147 may promote OSF progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: To investigate the effects of the pro‐inflammatory and Th17‐polarizing mediator IL‐17 on HDPFs‐mediated IL‐23 production and the molecular mechanism involved. Methodology: Interleukin (IL)‐17R expression was determined by semi‐quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction and Western blot in cultured human dental pulp fibroblasts (HDPFs). Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay were used to determine IL‐23 mRNA and protein levels in IL‐17‐stimulated HDPFs, respectively. The nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) and mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signalling pathways that mediate the IL‐17‐stimulated production of IL‐23 was investigated using Western blot and specific signalling inhibitor analyses. Statistical analyses were performed using Kruskal–Wallis tests followed by the Mann–Whitney U‐test. Statistical significance was considered when the P value < 0.05. Results: Primary HDPFs steadily expressed IL‐17R mRNA and surface‐bound protein. IL‐17 stimulated the expression of IL‐23 mRNA and protein in cultured human dental pulp fibroblasts, which was attenuated by IL‐17 or IL‐17R neutralizing antibodies. In accordance with the enhanced expression of IL‐23, IL‐17 stimulation resulted in rapid activation of p38 MAPK, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, c‐Jun‐N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and NF‐κB in HDPFs. Inhibitors of p38 MAPK, ERK 1/2 or NF‐κB significantly suppressed, whereas blocking JNK substantially augmented IL‐23 production from IL‐17‐stimulated HDPFs. Conclusion: HDPFs expressed IL‐17R and responded to IL‐17 to produce IL‐23 via the activation of the NF‐κB and MAPK signalling pathways. The findings provide insights into the cellular mechanisms of the participation of IL‐17 in the activation of HDPFs in inflamed pulp tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collagen VI‐related myopathy, caused by pathogenic variants in the genes encoding collagen VI, represents a clinical continuum from Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy (UCMD) to Bethlem myopathy (BM). Clinical data of 60 probands and their family members were collected and muscle biopsies of 26 patients were analyzed. COL6A1, COL6A2 and COL6A3 exons were analyzed by direct sequencing or next generation sequencing (NGS). Sixty patients were characterized by delayed motor milestones, muscle weakness, skin and joint changes with 40 UCMD and 20 BM. Muscle with biopsies revealed dystrophic changes and showed completely deficiency of collagen VI or sarcolemma specific collagen VI deficiency. We identified 62 different pathogenic variants in these 60 patients, with 34 were first reported while 28 were previously known; 72 allelic pathogenic variants in COL6A1 (25/72, 34.7%), COL6A2 (33/72, 45.8%) and COL6A3 (14/72, 19.4%). We also found somatic mosaic variant in the parent of 1 proband by personal genome machine amplicon deep sequencing for mosaicism. Here we provide clinical, histological and genetic evidence of collagen VI‐related myopathy in 60 Chinese patients. NGS is a valuable approach for diagnosis and accurate diagnosis provides useful information for genetic counseling of related families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Granular materials react with complicated mechanical responses when subjected to external loading paths. This leads to sophisticated constitutive formulations requiring large numbers of parameters. A powerful and straightforward way consists in developing micro-mechanical models embedding both micro-scale and meso-scale. This paper proposes a 3D micro-mechanical model taking into account an intermediate scale (meso-scale) that makes it possible to describe a variety of constitutive features in a natural way. The comparison between experimental tests and numerical simulations reveals the predictive capability of this model. Particularly, several simulations are carried out with different confining pressures and initial void ratios, based on the fact that the critical state is quantitatively described without requiring any critical state formulations and parameter. The model mechanism is also analyzed from a microscopic view, wherein the evolution of some key microscopic parameters is investigated. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sixty-four barrows with an initial body weight of 59.8 ± 2.1 kg were allocated to one of the two feeding frequency regimes (had free access to diet and fed two meals per day). Pigs had free access ( FA) to feed were fed on an ad libitum basis during the 8-week experimental period. Pigs fed twice daily (M2) were allowed to consume their meals in 2 h. Pigs fed twice daily had lower average daily feed intake (p < 0.01) and average daily gain (p < 0.1), but a greater G:F (p < 0.05) than FA pigs. Lower perirenal fat deposition, hot carcass weight, intramuscular fat content (p < 0.05) and dressing percentage (p < 0.1) were found in M2 pigs compared with FA pigs. Activities of citrate synthase, β-hydroxylacyl-CoA dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase were greater in the Longissimus muscle ( LM) of M2 pigs compared with FA pigs (p < 0.05). Proteomic analysis revealed that expression abundances of proteins involved in glucose metabolism, energy production and lipid utilization were upregulated, but expression levels of proteins participating in protein and amino acid metabolism, stress response and redox homeostasis were downregulated in the LM of M2 pigs than those in FA pigs (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the less meal frequency impairs growth rate, has marginal effects on carcass and meat quality traits and affects expression abundances of proteins in the LM of finishing pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the biology of spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus ( HCV) infection could lead to improved strategies to prevent the sequelae associated with chronic HCV infection. Chronic infections with hepatitis virus are very common in China, but the factors associated with spontaneous clearance of HCV have not been adequately studied. We evaluated the spontaneous clearance of HCV among 1918 drug users and 1526 HCV-seropositive blood donors in Guangzhou, China. Among participants who were co-infected with hepatitis B virus ( HBV), 41.38% of drug users and 39.47% of blood donors had cleared their HCV infection without antiviral therapy compared to 9.41% of drug users and 16.73% of blood donors who were mono-infected with a single virus ( P<.01). The proportion of subjects who had cleared their HCV infection was significantly greater in the co-infected subjects whose serum HBV DNA was greater than 2000 IU/mL than those with lower levels. A multiple logistic regression analysis found female gender, IL28B rs8099917 TT genotype, HBV co-infection and blood donors (vs drug users) associated with increased spontaneous clearance of HCV infection. Although acute HCV infections are common in China, the incidence of chronic HCV may be reduced among the high prevalence of chronic HBV and IL28B genotypes associated with spontaneous clearance of HCV in Chinese populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Yuan Qinghua porcelain produced in the city of Jingdezhen, in China, mainly includes the gaudy blue type, a blue-grey or grey-coloured type and the type featuring a blue colour with a slight amount of grey. For a long time, only the gaudy blue type was focused on and discussed, while the other two types, which contain equally important information with regard to recovering the manufacturing technology of Yuan Qinghua, were always ignored by scientific researchers. In this paper, by using micro X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (μ-XRF), spectrophotometry and optical microscopy, all three different types of Yuan Qinghua porcelain are analysed systemically and, based on the analyses of the body, the glaze and the blue decoration, the differences in the materials and the manufacturing technologies of the three different types are discussed. This not only provides a good basis for the reconstruction of the whole picture of the manufacturing process of Yuan Qinghua porcelains in Jingdezhen, but also contributes to database-building for the identification of Qinghua porcelain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To investigate the in vitro effects of TNF-α and IL-1β on the osteogenic/dentinogenic differentiation of stem cells from the apical papilla ( SCAP). Methodology SCAPs treated with 10 ng mL−1 TNF-α and/or 5 ng mL−1 IL-1β were defined as the treatment groups, with untreated cells defined as the control group. Cell proliferation was measured using the MTT assay and cell cycle analysis. Cells in all of the groups were cultured in the osteogenic/dentinogenic differentiation medium and processed for analysis at days 3, 7 and 14. The Alizarin Red S assay, alkaline phosphatase staining and real-time PCR were used to evaluate the differentiation capacity. Differences between the treatment groups and the control groups were analysed statistically using one-way anova and Dunnett's post-test. Results Compared with the control group, the treated SCAPs were associated with a significantly greater proliferation activity at days 3 and 5 but reduced proliferation at day 9 ( P < 0.05). Significantly lower calcium deposition and ALP activity were observed in the treatment groups at day 14 ( P < 0.05), as well as reduced ALP, DSPP and DMP-1 expression levels ( P < 0.05); however, treated SCAPs had significantly higher levels of DSPP and DMP-1 at day 7 ( P < 0.05). In the control group, the ALP, DSPP and DMP-1 expression levels increased significantly from day 3 to day 14 ( P < 0.05), but the treatment groups were not associated with increased expression from day 7 to day 14 ( P > 0.05). Conclusions The pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β inhibited mineralization and osteogenic-/dentinogenic-related gene expression in SCAPs in vitro after long-term culturing. However, these cytokines induced cell proliferation and mineralization in short-term culture probably as a protective response. These findings help to elucidate the impact of inflammation on tooth development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases remains unclear. Genetic and environmental factors are involved. Studies of the association between tonsillectomy and inflammatory bowel disease have yielded conflicting results. Method PubMed and EMBASE were searched to identify studies evaluating the association between tonsillectomy and inflammatory bowel disease [Crohn's disease ( CD) and ulcerative colitis ( UC)]. Odds ratios with 95% CI were calculated using a random- or fixed-effects model. The χ2 test and I2 test were used to assess homogeneity. Egger's test was used to evaluate publication bias. Results Thirteen observational case-control studies including 4122 patients (3035 UC/1087 CD) and 5103 controls were analysed. The summary odds ratio estimated for UC following a tonsillectomy was 0.932, 95% CI 0.819-1.062. The odds ratio for CD following a tonsillectomy was 1.194, 95% CI 0.992-1.437. Publication bias was not detected (Egger's test coefficient −3.50 to 1.55; P = 0.39). Conclusion No obvious association between tonsillectomy and inflammatory bowel disease was identified in our meta-analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that humus markedly increases soil aggregate stability, but at the same time strongly decreases the flocculation of clay particles in suspension. These seemingly inconsistent observations suggest the need for a deeper understanding of the physical mechanisms that govern clay-humus interactions. In this research, soil samples from an Entisol were used to explore the role of cationic polarization in humus-increased soil aggregate stability and sodium ( Na+) and potassium ( K+) ions were used to characterize weak and strong polarization, respectively. The results showed that strong cationic polarization has a critical role in increased soil aggregate stability in the presence of humus. We concluded that, without cationic polarization, the effects of humus alone on soil aggregate stability were weak in the presence of monovalent metal cations. When we compared the individual contributions of humus and strong cationic polarization, the latter proved much more important than humus in increasing soil aggregate stability. The strongest increase in soil aggregate stability occurred when strong cationic polarization was coupled with humus. The combined analysis of activation energy of soil flocculation in suspension and soil aggregate stability in the presence of humus indicated that humus increased the long-range electrostatic repulsive force of soil particles, and increased the short-range attractive force of soil particles. Consequently, humus decreased the flocculation of soil particles in suspension but increased soil aggregate stability; all effects were adjusted by the strength of cationic polarization. Highlights Elucidation of physical mechanisms of cation-surface interactions that determine clay-humus interactions., Cations at the particle surface of the clay-humus complex are strongly polarized., Cationic polarization has a critical role in humus-increased soil aggregate stability., Without cationic polarization, the effect of humus alone on soil aggregate stability was weak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To investigate IL-17 expression in human pulpitis and to study the effects of IL-17 on the secretion of the chemokines IL-6 and IL-8 and the related signalling pathways. Methodology Samples of human dental pulp tissue were obtained from healthy controls and patients with pulpitis. Cytokine IL-17 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in the pulp tissue was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction. In addition, human dental pulp fibroblasts (HDPFs) were stimulated with IL-17. Production of IL-6 and IL-8 was determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Aspects of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signalling pathways were examined by Western blot analysis. Result Increased levels of IL-17 mRNA were found in inflamed dental pulp tissue (pulpitis). Stimulation of dental pulp tissue with IL-17 induced the production of IL-6 and IL-8 in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, IL-17 stimulation resulted in rapid activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in HDPFs. Conclusion IL-17 may participate in pulp tissue inflammation through chemokine production and NF-κB and MAPKs signalling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White spot disease remains a constant threat to aquaculture worldwide. Hyperthermia has been shown to reduce mortality in white spot syndrome virus ( WSSV)-infected shrimps, but the mechanism still remains unclear. In this study, we sought to identify host immune factors that contribute to inhibition of WSSV infection during hyperthermia. In WSSV-infected red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii ( Girard) cultured at 24 ± 1 °C, transcriptional levels of the heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) gene showed a modest, 2.2-fold increase in haemocytes following 48 h post-infection (hpi). In contrast, in WSSV-infected crayfish cultured at 32 ± 1 °C, Hsp70 gene expression showed a rapid, 19.5-fold induction by 4 hpi. This suggests that Hsp70 plays a positive regulatory role in resistance to WSSV infection during hyperthermia. Furthermore, total haemocyte counts ( THC) and phenoloxidase ( PO) activity were both significantly increased in WSSV-infected crayfish cultured at 32 ± 1 °C by 48 hpi. Both may be critical for crayfish survival in the late stages of WSSV infection. Collectively, the up-regulation of host protein Hsp70 expression and increase in THC and PO activity suggest that hyperthermia has immunomodulatory effect that enhanced the resistance of P. clarkii to WSSV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laminin-α2 deficient congenital muscular dystrophy ( CMD) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by severe muscular dystrophy, which is typically associated with abnormal white matter. In this study, we assessed 43 CMD patients with typical white matter abnormality and laminin-α2 deficiency (complete or partial) diagnosed by immunohistochemistry to determine the clinical and molecular genetic characteristics of laminin-α2 deficient CMD. LAMA2 gene mutation analysis was performed by direct sequencing of genomic DNAs. Exonic deletion or duplication was identified by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification ( MLPA) and verified by high-density oligonucleotide-based CGH microarrays. Gene mutation analysis revealed 86 LAMA2 mutations (100%); 15 known and 37 novel. Among these mutations, 73.9% were nonsense, splice-site or frameshift and 18.8% were deletions of one or more exons. Genetic characterization of affected families will be valuable in prenatal diagnosis of CMD in the Chinese population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Illumina Hiseq platform was used to sequence the entire mitochondrial coding-regions of 20 body lice, Pediculus humanus Linnaeus, and head lice, P. capitis De Geer (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae), from eight towns and cities in five countries:Ethiopia, France, China, Australia and the U.S.A. These data (∼310 kb) were used to see how much more informative entire mitochondrial coding-region sequences were than partial mitochondrial coding-region sequences, and thus to guide the design of future studies of the phylogeny, origin, evolution and taxonomy of body lice and head lice. Phylogenies were compared from entire coding-region sequences (∼15.4 kb),entire cox1 (∼1.5 kb), partial cox1 (∼700 bp) and partial cytb (∼600 bp) sequences. On the one hand, phylogenies from entire mitochondrial coding-region sequences (∼15.4 kb) were much more informative than phylogenies from entire cox1 sequences (∼1.5 kb) and partial gene sequences (∼600 to ∼700 bp). For example, 19 branches had >95% bootstrap support in our maximum likelihood tree from the entire mitochondrial coding-regions (∼15.4 kb) whereas the tree from 700 bp cox1 had only two branches with bootstrap support >95%. Yet, by contrast, partial cytb (∼600 bp) and partial cox1 (∼486 bp) sequences were sufficient to genotype lice to Clade A, B or C. The sequences of the mitochondrial genomes of the P. humanus, P. capitis and P. schaeffi Fahrenholz studied are in NCBI GenBank under the accession numbers KC660761-800,KC685631-6330, KC241882-97, EU219988-95, HM241895-8 and JX080388-407. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ustilaginoidea virens (Uv), the causative agent of rice false smut disease, infects developing rice spikelets at the booting stage, and transforms individual grains of the panicle into smut balls. Epidemics of the disease occur when the rice booting and heading stages coincide with rainy days. Using a green fluorescent protein ( GFP)-labelled Uv isolate that can form false smut balls on rice panicles, it was found that under high humidity and free water conditions the Uv isolate could colonize leaves of plants belonging to various families including the Poaceae ( Oryza sativa, Echinochloa crusgalli, Digitaria sanguinalis and Leptochloa chinensis), the Brassicaceae ( Arabidopsis thaliana) and the Solanaceae ( Nicotiana benthamiana) without symptoms. Over several days, some conidia could germinate on the leaves of these plants and in water on the surface of Parafilm and cellophane, form hyphae and differentiate conidiophores to generate a large number of secondary conidia, while other conidia were able to directly produce secondary conidia. Conversely, in the absence of water some conidia could either bud to form new conidia or were converted into chlamydospores. These data indicate that Uv is one of a few fungal pathogens reported to have epiphytic characteristics. The rapid generation of a large number of spores on biotic and abiotic surfaces greatly increases the inoculum that can infect rice spikelets, resulting in the occurrence of rice false smut disease epidemics. These findings are important in the development of disease control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bactrocera minax and Bactrocera tsuneonis are two sibling species of the Bactrocera subgenus Tetradacus with significant quarantine importance in Asia. It is difficult to identify or distinguish them only based on morphological characteristics. In this study, microscopic observations showed that morphological features of adult samples were congruent with the diagnosis of the two species. In this study, we describe species-specific PCR for the molecular identification of B. minax and B. tsuneonis. Species-specific primer pairs were designed on the basis of variations in the mt DNA COI barcode sequences among Bactrocera spp.. A 499 bp-specific fragment of B. minax and a 337 bp absolute product of B. tsuneonis were generated by their respective primer pairs, whilst no such diagnostic bands were present in any of the other fruit fly species tested. The results of the sensitivity test demonstrated that the detection limit of DNA template concentration was 1 ng/ μl for B. minax and 0.1 ng/ μl for B. tsuneonis. This assay exhibited high specificity, reliability, rapid and low cost for all ontogenetic stages. Our data show that species-specific PCR is a powerful tool that can be used for the identification of B. minax and B. tsuneonis in quarantine work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To investigate the expression of interleukin ( IL)-23, a new member of the IL-12 family, in experimental periapical lesions. Methodology Periapical lesions were induced in Wistar rats by occlusal surface pulp exposure in mandibular first molars. The rats were randomly sacrificed 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42 and 56 days after pulp exposure. The jaws that contained the first molars were obtained and routinely prepared for radiographic, histological, enzyme histochemical, immunohistochemical and double immunofluorescence analyses. Data were analysed by one-way analysis of variance and the Pearson correlation test. Results The number of IL-23-positive cells increased from day 7 to day 35 and then gradually decreased. The number of osteoclasts increased and peaked on day 14 and then gradually decreased from day 21 to day 56. A significant positive correlation existed between the number of IL-23 positive cells and the size of bone resorption in periapical lesions from day 7 to day 56 ( r = 0.875, P < 0.01). Conclusions Interleukin-23 can be observed and may be associated with inflammatory response and bone resorption in periapical lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background To perform a follow-up of 25 Chinese children with gene-confirmed PLA2G6-associated neurodegeneration ( PLAN). Methods We recruited patients with infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy ( INAD) according to the criteria proposed by Nardocci et al. Follow-up was conducted from 7 months to 8 years after the first visit. The PLA2G6 gene was sequenced, and copy number variation ( CNV) was detected in patients with only one mutant allele and in mutation-negative patients. Patients with late-onset PLAN until 2012 were reviewed. Results All patients with INAD exhibited rapid decline in motor and mental function, consistent with previous reports from other populations. Epileptic seizures occurred in 16.7%. One teenager with late-onset PLAN was diagnosed and followed up. The age of disease onset in published late-onset PLAN ranged between 18 months and 37 years. Initial presentations included gait instability (79.0%), mood/behavior changes (10.5%), dysarthria (5.26%) and cognitive deterioration (5.3%). Compared with INAD, cerebellar atrophy (42.1%) was less frequent in the late-onset cases, with cerebral atrophy more common (71.4%). Brain iron accumulation was seen in 52.6%. PLA2G6 mutations were identified by DNA sequencing in 92.3% of clinically diagnosed INAD cases and in the late-onset case. Twenty-seven different mutations were found, of which 13 were novel. No CNVs were detected. Maternal uniparental disomy was confirmed in one INAD case. Conclusions This is the largest report on PLAN in the Chinese population. We suggest that PLA2G6 should be screened in any patient exhibiting progressive gait disturbance, bradykinesia, dysarthria, tremors, mood/behavior changes or cognitive decline, especially when associated with cerebellar atrophy and/or iron accumulation and/or cerebral atrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct growth of InGaN active layers on initially shaped pyramid-like GaN islands of low dislocation density, realized by enhanced island growth via slightly Si doping in the GaN islands, was investigated in detail. Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) studies reveal the selective growth of relatively thin quantum wells (QWs) on semipolar sidewall facets, whereas In-rich InGaN quantum dots (QDs) form on the island apex. Spatially resolved scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and cathodoluminescence (CL) studies show strong emission from the island sites, whereas very weak emission arises from the nonisland sites, suggesting the preferential growth of InGaN active layers on the GaN islands rather than on the SiN x-treated nonisland sites. Polychromatic emissions from the InGaN QWs on island sidewall and top facets, and the In-rich InGaN QDs on the island apex were observed. Studies on the growth mechanism and properties of InGaN/GaN QWs on nanoscale faceted islands may serve as a nanoscale investigating tool for further studies of GaN island shaping and shape variations during heteroepitaxy in the early growth stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim, To investigate the expression of platelet-derived growth factor-A (PDGF-A) in the course of apical periodontitis induced in rats and to explore its possible role in the development of periapical lesions. Methodology, Apical periodontitis was induced in SD rats by exposing the pulp of mandibular first molars to the oral environment for 0-42 days. Animals were killed at 0, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 42 days after lesion induction. The development of periapical lesions was investigated by radiographic and histochemical examination. Changes in the level and distribution of PDGF-A in the periapical tissue were examined by immunohistochemistry. The radiographs were scanned to a computer, and the areas of periapical lesions were calculated. Osteoclasts and PDGF-A-positive cells were counted in five randomly selected areas in each specimen. The data were then analysed by one-way anova using the spss 13.0 statistical package. Results, The lesions expanded from day 0 to day 21 and stabilized thereafter. PDGF-A-positive cells were observed in the periapical tissue from 7 day postoperatively. Between 7 and 21 days, when expansion of the periapical lesion was most evident, numerous PDGF-A-positive cells were found in the periapical tissue. The number of these cells showed further increases at 28 and 42 days postoperatively. Many of the PDGF-A-positive cells were inflammatory cells with different morphologies. The variation tendency of the number of PDGF-A-positive cells per highpower field was similar to that areas of the periapical lesions. Conclusions, Platelet-derived growth factor-A might be involved in the development of periapical lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xiong H, Wei L, Hu Y, Zhang C, Peng B. Effect of alendronate on alveolar bone resorption and angiogenesis in rats with experimental periapical lesions. International Endodontic Journal, 43, 485–491, 2010. Aim To investigate the effects of systemically administered alendronate, one of the most potent bisphosphonates (BPs), on alveolar bone resorption and angiogenesis in rats subjected to experimental periapical lesions over two time periods. Methodology Forty adult Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided equally into control and experimental groups, and the pulp chambers of mandibular first molars of all rats were exposed to the oral environment to induce periapical lesions. The experimental group received daily subcutaneous injections of alendronate at a dose of 0.25 mg kg−1, whereas the control group received only the saline vehicle. These injections were initiated 1 week before the periapical lesion induction and then continued daily throughout the entire experimental period. After 2 or 4 weeks following pulp exposure, the rats were killed, and the mandibles were examined histologically for periapical bone loss area, number of microvascular vessels (NMV) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity. Results Overall, periapical bone loss area and the number of TRAP-positive cells (osteoclasts) were significantly decreased at 2 and 4 weeks, respectively, after daily subcutaneous injection of alendronate compared with the control group ( P < 0.05). There was no significant decrease change in NMV ( P > 0.05). Conclusions Administration of alendronate to rats might inhibit alveolar bone resorption associated with periapical disease, which might not lead to impairment of angiogenesis. However, because of the differences between rats and humans, one has to consider the possible consequences of this treatment in the clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The collapse of lubrication function caused by changes of synovial fluid (SF) is regarded as the main aetiology of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Hyaluronan (HA) is one of the principal components of SF. Both physicochemical properties and cell biological functions of HA mainly depend on its molecular size. The present study was designed to analyse the HA molecular size and boundary-lubricating ability of SF in the patients with TMD and compare them with that from normal controls. Temporomandibular disorders patients were divided into three subgroups: displaced disc with reduction (DDR), disc without reduction (DDNR) and disc perforation (DP). After obtaining SF samples, we analysed the molecular size of HA by high-performance liquid chromatography, and boundary-lubricating ability (coefficient of friction, COF) of SF by a friction apparatus. The results suggested that there was no significant difference in molecular size of HA among the groups of health control, DDR and DDNR, while the DP group presented a lower molecular size when compared to other ones. Boundary-lubricating ability test showed that COF of SF in TMD patients were significantly higher than that of healthy controls. In the patients’ subgroups, no statistical difference was observed between the group of DDR and DDNR, while DP group presented a higher COF when compared to the group of DDR or/and DDNR. Collectively, the increased values of COF, which corresponded to the decrease of HA molecular size, indicated that the distinct changes of HA molecular size and boundary-lubricating ability in the SF occurred with TMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma (DPPK) is an autosomal dominant genodermatosis characterized by uniform hyperkeratosis of the palm and sole epidermis. This disorder can be caused by mutations in the genes keratin 1, keratin 9, keratin 16, desmoglein 1 and plakoglobin. Here we present a DPPK Chinese pedigree and identify the aetiology as a novel missense mutation, L437P, located in a highly conserved helix motif in domain 2B of KRT1. Functional analysis shows that overexpression of the L437P mutant in cultured cells leads to abnormal intermediate filament networks and filament aggregation. This gain-of-function mutation highlights the role of domain 2B in mediating filament assembly. Conflicts of interest The authors declare that they have no actual or potential conflicts of interest to disclose. Appropriate approval and procedures were used concerning human subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy (INAD) is a rare autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder. The most typical neuropathological finding of this disease is axonal swelling. Before the identification of associated mutations in PLA2G6-encoding iPLA2-VIA (cytosolic Ca2+-independent phospholipids A2, group VIA) in 2006, neuropathological evidence was critical for definitive diagnosis. Only five genetic studies in INAD patients have been published worldwide, wherein 44 mutations were reported. To define the clinical and genetic characteristics of Chinese patients with INAD, 10 cases were analyzed. Methods: For 10 cases of INAD, extensive clinical investigations, neuropathological examination, and mutation screening in PLA2G6 were performed. Results: All cases displayed typical clinical features. Axonal swelling was found in skin or sural nerve biopsy specimens in three cases. Twelve PLA2G6 mutations were identified, nine of which were novel. These novel mutations include six missense, one abolishing the normal start codon, one nonsense, and one splice-site mutation. Conclusions: The nine novel mutations identified in this study suggest the uniqueness of the PLA2G6 mutation spectrum in Chinese patients, and greatly extends the spectrum of known mutations in INAD patients. In addition to pathological evidence, genetic analysis can inform definitive diagnosis of INAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automated segmentation of time-lapse images is a method to facilitate the understanding of the intricate biological progression, e.g. cancer cell migration. To address this problem, we introduce a shape representation enhancement over popular snake models in the context of confident scale–space such that a higher level of interpretation can hopefully be achieved. Our proposed system consists of a hierarchical analytic framework including feedback loops, self-adaptive and demand-adaptive adjustment, incorporating a steerable boundary detail term constraint based on multiscale B-spline interpolation. To minimize the noise interference inherited from microscopy acquisition, the coarse boundary derived from the initial segmentation with refined watershed line is coupled with microscopy compensation using the mean shift filtering. A progressive approximation is applied to achieve represented as a balance between a relief function of watershed algorithm and local minima concerning multiscale optimality, convergence and robust constraints. Experimental results show that the proposed method overcomes problems with spurious branches, arbitrary gaps, low contrast boundaries and low signal-to-noise ratio. The proposed system has the potential to serve as an automated data processing tool for cell migration applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

KIR2DL3*030 differs from the closest allele, KIR2DL3*00101, by a single missense mutation at CDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]